Category Archives: Blog

I look forward to February every year, because it contains 2 of my favorite fiber events: Madrona Winter Retreat, and Stitches West. First up was Madrona, and although it is always wonderful, this year the vibe seemed especially up-beat and relaxed. I’ve been knitting with Marly Bird’s Chic Sheep yarn for Red Heart, for months. […]

There were amazing knitters on the Musk Ox and Glacier CraftCruise. The photographs don’t capture all of it, because there was SO MUCH! Enjoying the projects people were knitting, wearing, planning was an absolute joy. The Blocking class inspired folks to finish things up to block in class, so we enjoyed a good luck at those […]

There were wonderful yarn stores in Alaska, and we took advantage! So many ideas, and it was great to have people to bounce ideas off of, and get input on which colorway to choose, what design would be best for this or that yarn, etc. We didn’t have to worry about anything except having a […]

There were lots of terrific things about the Musk Ox and Glaciers CraftCruise, but at the top of my list was the opportunity to knit a LOT. Being with great knitters and seeing yarn shops and great yarn is highly motivating. Plus, there is lots of time to knit and fun people to do it […]

I’ve been home from Alaska for over a month, and have finally caught up with my real life. My work schedule is back to normal, I am knitting in the evenings and working out regularly, and last weekend I got a loom warped and wove some towels. It’s great to be home! But, I miss […]

When at sea, we had a lovely classroom, and a great time learning Annetarsia and other fun knitting tricks and techniques. In the evenings we gathered in the “jigsaw puzzle” room and visited while we knit and crocheted. There was lots of time to enjoy each other’s company, and it was a very pleasant and […]

We had learned about wild Musk Ox at Arctic Qiviut, and at the Animal Research farm at the University of Fairbanks, but there is an actual Musk Ox farm which we visited on the way to Anchorage. Here they raise Musk Ox, and harvest their down when it sheds. They are not domesticated, but are […]

Back on the bus, heading to Anchorage, we stopped in Houston, Alaska for lunch at the Lumberyard Deli. Outside the deli, in the hall, local knitters and fiber artists set up a pop-up store for us. Their warmth and friendliness were much appreciated, and we had a wonderful time!

We took the train to Denali, and it was a wonderful day. Great views, lots of time to visit and knit, and a wonderful breakfast in the dining car. We saw the Alaskan pipeline along the way, and had a wonderful stay in the Denali lodge. Such a peaceful and relaxing place to be!